According to legend, the Apostle Thomas evangelized and performed miracles throughout southern India, which is thought to have begun the Christian church there.
In later years, nearly all of the peoples of southern India encountered seafaring traders from China, Southeast Asia, Eastern Africa and Europe. Some Europeans, such as the Dutch, enslaved the Malayali to work on their plantations, resulting in the first Malayali diaspora. Since then, the Malayali have ventured to other parts of the world, including the UAE, in search of higher-paying jobs.
The Malayali in UAE are often computer techies or businessmen. They are known for their intelligence and skills.
They are traditional Hindus and follow the ancient way, as they themselves created various forms of Hindu idols and temples. Their identity is closely tied to the Hindu religious system. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.PRGRPHAlmost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the startPRGRPHof spring/Diwali, the festival of lights/Navratri, the celebration of autumn and Rama.
Having historically created various idols and images of Hindu gods and goddesses, the Hindu Badhai possess traditional ties to Hinduism. They need Christians to come to them who will share the gospel with them and call them to trust in the one true God.
Pray for the Malayali people to understand and embrace the supremacy of Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers from other parts of South Asia will take Jesus Christ to the Malayali people in UAE.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in such a way that there will be a strong disciple-making movement among Malayali people throughout UAE.
Scripture Prayers for the Malayali in United Arab Emirates.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
